The MoPH has stressed that taking the examination outside Qatar remains optional and is currently not a mandatory condition for recruitment. The Ministry is also working towards making professional practice licensing compulsory in the future, with details of the implementation date and procedures to be announced after the necessary arrangements are completed.

The overseas examination service builds on Qatar’s Food Handler Licensing Programme, which has been in operation since 2021. So far, the programme has licensed 10,630 food handlers across the country.

According to the Ministry, expanding the examination service beyond Qatar reflects its continued efforts to strengthen food safety standards, support food establishments in recruiting competent personnel and promote compliance with established food safety requirements, ultimately contributing to the protection of public health and community wellbeing.